Speaking of your home, the exterior walls make the first impression, so they need to be nothing short of perfect. After all, who wouldn’t want to show off when guests admire every little detail of your home’s beauty? But the confusion is — which material is best for exterior wall cladding that will look beautiful and last for decades? 

In today’s blog, we are helping you select the right material for external wall cladding. Today, you will learn about its meaning, benefits and the best materials available. Let’s get started! 

What is Exterior Wall Cladding?  

Remember the huge stone castles from the 11th century that you must have seen in movies? Those interlocking stones and rocks fortified the kingdoms. Similarly, in modern times, exterior wall cladding adds a protective yet decorative layer to your home. This layer can be made from natural or human-made materials. It acts as a coverage from harsh weather and provides an additional layer of insulation to your home. 

What are the Benefits of Wall Cladding? 

Provides Protection -   It safeguards your home from extreme weather conditions, heat, moisture and pollution. 

Insulation - Wall cladding provides an additional layer that can help with thermal and sound insulation. 

Adds Beauty - You can enhance the entire look of your home based on your preference. 

Low Maintenance - It requires minimal effort to maintain its beauty. 

Boosts the Property Value - It does not easily degrade, which leads to an increase in the resale value of your property. 

Best Materials for Exterior Wall Cladding 

Now that you know the benefits, let’s know more about the different materials you can choose for cladding on external walls. 

Natural Stone Wall Cladding 

One of the best materials you can choose for your external walls is natural stone. These construction materials were even used to safeguard big castles. Just think how strong they must be! This cladding does not easily let your home be harmed by any external calamity. Being quarried from Mother Nature, they are extremely beautiful and add depth to any place they are used. Natural stones are highly durable and last for ages. Whether you opt for Sandstone, Limestone, Marble or Bluestone, natural stones reflect evergreen elegance and sophistication. 

Plus, natural stones are multi-purpose. They are not just for wall cladding; you can also use them for outdoor and indoor flooring. Many applications include patios, courtyards, pathways, fireplaces, pool surrounds and gardens. Stone wall cladding can be done in varied styles as per your taste and preferences. Some popular designs are: 

Stacked Stone Style for a Rustic Feel    

Stones cut into strips are stacked or assembled very closely. They are usually piled diagonally to show a stacked effect. 

Free Style for an Offbeat Design     

As the name suggests, this style creates an unusual pattern with irregularly shaped natural stones with chipped edges and organic textures. The vibrant pieces of natural stones looks like a solved jigsaw puzzle on your wall. 

Dry Stone Styling    

If you want a design that requires minimal maintenance, go for dry stone walling. This design give a striking look by adding a natural stone’s layer to an existing wall or surface with the help of mortar. 

Pros:   

• Highly durable and long-lasting. 

• Provides thermal insulation. 

• Can endure harsh weather conditions. 

• Give a luxurious and sophisticated look to your walls. 

• Does not fade over time. 

• Very easy to maintain and does not require frequent cleaning. 

• Eco-friendly and promotes a sustainable choice as it is a natural material. 

• Get a higher resale value. 

• Comes with varied design and styling options. 

Cons:   

• Natural stones can be expensive to purchase and install. 

• Due to their weight and handling, you will need experts for installation. 

 Timber Cladding

If you are looking for a warm and natural look, timber can be a good choice. However, it is difficult to find the right variety of timber. Not all kinds can be used for cladding. Timber is very sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Pros:   

• Provides a natural and rustic look. 

• Eco-friendly and renewable option. 

• Lightweight and easy to handle. 

Cons:   

• Requires high maintenance, such as regular staining or sealing. 

• Can wear out in adverse weather. 

• Can be damaged by white ants. 

• Can be harmed due to moisture. 

Brick Cladding

Brick cladding is another popular choice in Australia. It is known for its uniformity and traditional look. If you can compromise on the look and just need something that requires low maintenance, this can be a good choice. 

Pros:   

• Can last for ages without significant damage. 

• Requires no regular maintenance. 

• Resistant to fire. 

• Has good insulation properties. 

Cons:   

• Limited design options. 

• Very heavy and requires a strong foundation to support the weight. 

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl cladding acts as a protective layer for buildings made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other synthetic substances. It is considered as a affordable and low maintenance material. You can create various styles and designs with vinyl cladding. 

Pros:   

• More affordable compared to other materials. 

• Requires little to no maintenance. 

• Lightweight and simple to install. 

Cons:   

• Can crack in extreme winters or under harsh conditions. 

• Can be easily dented. 

• Can fade over time. 

• Not biodegradable. 

Fibre Cement Cladding

Fibre cement cladding is a blend of cement, sand and cellulose fibres used to protect building exteriors. It can be a good choice if you want a classic and contemporary look. 

Pros:   

• Can last for ages with very little maintenance. 

• Provides fire protection. 

• Can replicate wood, stone, or brick. 

• Affordable. 

Cons:   

• Very heavy. 

• Needs high labour force due to its weight. 

• Not eco-friendly and sustainable. 

• In high demand, which may affect its availability. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

All the above-mentioned materials have their own pros and cons. The material you choose should meet your maximum requirements and preferences. However, we suggest opting for a wall cladding material that stands strong in any condition and gives your home a sophisticated and graceful look. Natural stone wall cladding can be the right choice for your home. Its durability, beauty and low maintenance make it a top choice. Though some might feel that it is expensive, the value it adds to the home is worth the investment. However, if budget is a concern or you prefer a different style, timber, vinyl or fibre cement might be suitable alternatives for you. 

At Last 

There are numerous options available in the market to make your outdoor walls look eye-striking. However, choosing the right one can be a difficult task if you don’t know your preferences. Before anything, ask yourself, what are your requirements? Then, select the best material for your walls from the list we have curated for you. You need to know your budget, style and the time you can invest in maintenance. We wish you luck in finding the best walling material for your project!